🎓 GRE reference page
Complete topic map for GRE Quant — Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis, and Quantitative Comparison — with the strategy patterns that raise scores fastest.
2
quant sections
27
questions each
170
max score
Question types
Quantitative Comparison
~40% of questionsMultiple Choice (one answer)
~35% of questionsMultiple Choice (multiple answers)
~15% of questionsNumeric Entry
~10% of questionsTopics by area
About 25% of Quant. Number properties questions are the most trap-heavy — test extreme cases (0, 1, negatives, fractions) before committing to an answer.
GRE algebra is medium-depth but tested in tricky word-problem formats. Translate into equations before solving — don't try to solve in your head.
Figures are NOT drawn to scale on GRE — never assume an angle looks 90° unless stated. Coordinate geometry and triangle rules (e.g. 30-60-90) are frequently tested.
Two or three Data Interpretation questions come as a set using the same chart. Read the chart title, axis labels, and units before answering any question in the set.
QC is unique to GRE — about 40% of Quant questions. If the answer changes based on the value of a variable, the answer is always D (cannot be determined).
Commonly searched questions
At 155+, most errors come from traps rather than missing concepts. Focus on Quantitative Comparison strategy — plug in 0, 1, −1, and a fraction for every variable question. Review Data Interpretation carefully (units, axis labels). Timing is also key — aim for under 90 seconds per question on average.
ETS publishes two free official GRE practice tests at ets.org. The Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions book (Volumes 1 and 2) is the most accurate source after that. Third-party platforms vary in quality — stick to ETS material first.
Most test-takers need 4–12 weeks depending on their starting score. Students with a strong maths background (engineering, sciences) typically reach 160+ in 4–6 weeks of focused practice. Students who need to rebuild foundational skills benefit from 8–12 weeks.
For STEM PhDs and quantitative Master's programmes at top US universities, 165–170 is competitive. For business programmes (MBA), 155–160 is typically sufficient. Humanities and social science programmes usually weigh Verbal more heavily than Quant.
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